In the land of make-believe comes a story from RDS (TSN's sister station) siting that Alexei Yashin would like to play for Montreal.
Oh yeah, the story comes up with some "good" reasons. Those of course being that Yashin is friends with Markov, Kovalev and our good friend Samsonov. Oh yeah, and he practices in Koivu's home town. Of course that last part is like saying, "I once had an Aunt that visited the Big Ben. So I'd love to play in Real Madrid with David Beckham."
Seriously, if the Habs sign this guy, then my respect for Gainey will fall straight through the floor. This would be the worst signing in the HISTORY of the Habs. First, you get a guy who's old (34) and nearly feeble (history of injury problems). He's a dressing room cancer and totally useless in the playoffs (as he proved yet again this year).
Gainey, I hope you're listening. Don't you freaking DARE grabbing this guy. Don't make me cheer for the Leafs! Oh I'll do it! I'll get painted all blue and make up a sign about marrying Don Cherry and everything. You watch!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Habs Sign Markov
The Habs have finally signed one of their defensemen and it was the one with the highest priority. According to TSN.ca, Andrei Markov has been signed for 4 years. While the terms were not disclosed, it is fair to say (based on this report) that it was worth about $5M.
I personally think that's way too much money for Markov, but at the same time, the UFA market is pretty slim and this is one Russian that actually enjoys playing in Montreal. So all-in-all this is a good signing.
Now we have to wait to see if Gainey can sign Souray. My guess is Souray would make as much if not more than Markov. So that's $10M (minimum) locked up on two players, one of whom is terrible in his own end (I'll let you guess which is which). So with that kind of dough spent, who can the Canadiens possibly sign in the UFA market this year?
Smells like a trade is the only possibility.
I personally think that's way too much money for Markov, but at the same time, the UFA market is pretty slim and this is one Russian that actually enjoys playing in Montreal. So all-in-all this is a good signing.
Now we have to wait to see if Gainey can sign Souray. My guess is Souray would make as much if not more than Markov. So that's $10M (minimum) locked up on two players, one of whom is terrible in his own end (I'll let you guess which is which). So with that kind of dough spent, who can the Canadiens possibly sign in the UFA market this year?
Smells like a trade is the only possibility.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Gainey Waiting
The Montreal Gazette recently published a story about how the various UFA and RFA contract talks are coming along for Bob Gainey.
The answer is that Gainey is waiting... Should we be surprised? The guy is patient, we have to give him that. He's not going to rush into anything. But how much is too much?
Gainey has yet to buy out Samsonov. But that's not a big deal to me. Instead of spending the money, affecting the available cap space and getting nothing in return, Gainey is instead exploring all trade possibilities. Even if we get some pucks in return, that's better than a buyout. My guess is the trade will be for a conditional draft pick (1st round if Samsonov does well and 2nd if he doesn't).
Markov hasn't been resigned yet, but then again, that's just posturing by his agent. Add to the situation that Markov is busy at the World Championships, and maybe this makes sense too.
Souray had surgery (as stated in an earlier post), so Gainey is waiting on the results. That's a good thing because it may mean that we can sign Souray for less money. It's a bad thing because July 1st is coming pretty fast and apparently no results will be know for a month.
Do you remember how well Andrei Kostitsyn did when he finally got a chance to play for the big club this season? Well, his little brother Sergei is just as good. And he hasn't been signed yet. If he is not signed by July 1st, then he is eligible to go back into the draft. And we lose another potential star.
Stop waiting around and do something! How 'bout using this opportunity to sign Ryder and Higgins?
The answer is that Gainey is waiting... Should we be surprised? The guy is patient, we have to give him that. He's not going to rush into anything. But how much is too much?
Gainey has yet to buy out Samsonov. But that's not a big deal to me. Instead of spending the money, affecting the available cap space and getting nothing in return, Gainey is instead exploring all trade possibilities. Even if we get some pucks in return, that's better than a buyout. My guess is the trade will be for a conditional draft pick (1st round if Samsonov does well and 2nd if he doesn't).
Markov hasn't been resigned yet, but then again, that's just posturing by his agent. Add to the situation that Markov is busy at the World Championships, and maybe this makes sense too.
Souray had surgery (as stated in an earlier post), so Gainey is waiting on the results. That's a good thing because it may mean that we can sign Souray for less money. It's a bad thing because July 1st is coming pretty fast and apparently no results will be know for a month.
Do you remember how well Andrei Kostitsyn did when he finally got a chance to play for the big club this season? Well, his little brother Sergei is just as good. And he hasn't been signed yet. If he is not signed by July 1st, then he is eligible to go back into the draft. And we lose another potential star.
Stop waiting around and do something! How 'bout using this opportunity to sign Ryder and Higgins?
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Montreal Canadiens' European Vacation
The IIHF is looking to host a mini tournament between 3 European teams and an NHL team. According to this post on the TSN.ca Web site, the Montreal Canadiens are the IIHFs team of choice.
While it would be awesome to see, I'm not sure the result would be what we would want. You see, the Habs kinda suck. We're not talking an exciting team like Pittsburgh, or an all around talented team like Anaheim. We're talking about a team that is average in every way.
The NHL has a reputation of being the best hockey league in the world. And the Canadiens are the most storied franchise within that league. Now imagine what happens when the Habs go to Europe and get pounded... Ouch... That's like getting beat by your little sister.
On the other hand, it does seem like good publicity and an all-around good time. Fun is to be had by all! But that's not what a tournament is all about.
Personally I think that there should be a sort of "World Series." That after the Stanley Cup is won, the winner goes to Europe to play their champion. Now that would be exciting! Logistically it is impossible, of course.
In order to have a World Series, the Stanley Cup team needs to remain intact. This is not something that can happen unless the Series takes place before July 1st. Even if it does, it means that the GM of the Stanley Cup team has less time to manage his resources than other teams. So the solution is to make sure the NHL playoffs finish sooner. To do that, it means either condensing the season (same # of games, just more frequently), starting the season earlier or shortening the season. All these options affect the owner's bottom line, so those are out.
That's really too bad. This would be a fantastic way to bring excitement to a game that so desperately needs it. Perhaps the solution is an exhibition game between the European and NHL all-stars?
While it would be awesome to see, I'm not sure the result would be what we would want. You see, the Habs kinda suck. We're not talking an exciting team like Pittsburgh, or an all around talented team like Anaheim. We're talking about a team that is average in every way.
The NHL has a reputation of being the best hockey league in the world. And the Canadiens are the most storied franchise within that league. Now imagine what happens when the Habs go to Europe and get pounded... Ouch... That's like getting beat by your little sister.
On the other hand, it does seem like good publicity and an all-around good time. Fun is to be had by all! But that's not what a tournament is all about.
Personally I think that there should be a sort of "World Series." That after the Stanley Cup is won, the winner goes to Europe to play their champion. Now that would be exciting! Logistically it is impossible, of course.
In order to have a World Series, the Stanley Cup team needs to remain intact. This is not something that can happen unless the Series takes place before July 1st. Even if it does, it means that the GM of the Stanley Cup team has less time to manage his resources than other teams. So the solution is to make sure the NHL playoffs finish sooner. To do that, it means either condensing the season (same # of games, just more frequently), starting the season earlier or shortening the season. All these options affect the owner's bottom line, so those are out.
That's really too bad. This would be a fantastic way to bring excitement to a game that so desperately needs it. Perhaps the solution is an exhibition game between the European and NHL all-stars?
And They're Out
In one foul swoop, all the ex-Habs I listed in a previous post are officially out of the playoffs. I guess that means none of them can say, "nah na-na boo-boo."
Perezhogin Indirectly Highlights Habs Problems
Well despite what was said to the media, Perezhogin has gone back against his word and signed with a Russia team (Salavat Yulaev) for $1.7M. He sites financial and family concerns as being the reason for the decision. (Truth is, that's more than Gainey was likely to offer him.)
Media speculation is that the "real reason" for the signing is that Perezhogin felt that other players (primarily Latendresse) were getting preferential treatment from the coaching staff... And you know what? He might be right...
At times during the season Latendresse looked pretty good. But more over, he was pretty sub-par. He did well on Koivu's line while Higgins was injured, but really, who wouldn't? Yes, I know he was a rookie, but aside from being a fan favourite, I saw no reason to keep him in the lineup for more than the first 10 games.
Meanwhile, guys like Kostitsyn were toiling in the minors because there was no roster room. Then, when injuries started to mount and there suddenly was room on the roster, the coaching staff still called up another French guy instead. How do you suppose that made Kostitsyn feel considering the coaching staff keeps calling up guys with less NHL experience and less skill than him?
I have nothing against French people (I am French). All I'm saying is that it seems somewhat odd. I would not have expected this from Julien (a Frenchman too) had he still been there. And ask yourself, would Scotty Bowman have done that?
Latendresse started to get better as the year rolled on. He gained more confidence and the puck started to bounce for him. So while Carbo and his crew may have started him on the road to stardom, have they now caused irreprable damage to the rest of the team?
So Perezhogin is gone. No big loss. Samsonov was pissed and didn't play. That could've gone better. Kovalev... Well, who knows what his problem was... I'm seeing a trend here. Who's next?
Media speculation is that the "real reason" for the signing is that Perezhogin felt that other players (primarily Latendresse) were getting preferential treatment from the coaching staff... And you know what? He might be right...
At times during the season Latendresse looked pretty good. But more over, he was pretty sub-par. He did well on Koivu's line while Higgins was injured, but really, who wouldn't? Yes, I know he was a rookie, but aside from being a fan favourite, I saw no reason to keep him in the lineup for more than the first 10 games.
Meanwhile, guys like Kostitsyn were toiling in the minors because there was no roster room. Then, when injuries started to mount and there suddenly was room on the roster, the coaching staff still called up another French guy instead. How do you suppose that made Kostitsyn feel considering the coaching staff keeps calling up guys with less NHL experience and less skill than him?
I have nothing against French people (I am French). All I'm saying is that it seems somewhat odd. I would not have expected this from Julien (a Frenchman too) had he still been there. And ask yourself, would Scotty Bowman have done that?
Latendresse started to get better as the year rolled on. He gained more confidence and the puck started to bounce for him. So while Carbo and his crew may have started him on the road to stardom, have they now caused irreprable damage to the rest of the team?
So Perezhogin is gone. No big loss. Samsonov was pissed and didn't play. That could've gone better. Kovalev... Well, who knows what his problem was... I'm seeing a trend here. Who's next?
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Habs Still In It
Well, ex-Habs that is... When the playoffs started, a few of the Habs from the last 2 seasons were in the mix. Here is the list:
Vancouver - Jan Bulis
Dallas - Mike Ribeiro
San Jose - Craig Rivet
Rangers - Marcel Hossa
Islanders - Richard Zednik
Of these 5 players, only two have been eliminated; Zednik and Ribeiro. I can't say I'm upset about Ribeiro, but I do feel bad for Zednik. For a few years we all cheered for him as our leading scorer. Then he has a bad year and it's all boos. That being said, he only seems to have one move; around the back of the net, on the backhand, one hand on the stick, the other holding off the defenceman. I'm really quite surprised he was never clocked as he circled the net.
All of the remaining 3 players have played quite well.
Bulis is proving he is a very good checker. He was just as good in Montreal, but for some reason every coach that had him insisted on putting him on the first line to try to get him to score. Well, they must've seen something I didn't because I don't think he was ever a scorer. Glad to see the Canucks using his strong points.
Marcel Hossa isn't lighting things up, but he is making things happen. He's showing a level of effort he didn't in Montreal. He's always been on the edge of being a star in this league. He's still not there, but maybe a run in the playoffs will give him that motivation he needs. If he can make the Finals, he's already one up on his brother.
But the best of the bunch has been Craig Rivet. I was really surprised to see him get traded this season, but in hind-sight, it makes sense. Rivet is San Jose's top minute player and with 5 points in 8 games, he's also making a difference offensively. A team player in every sense of the word, Rivet is a class act all the way. He's also the most likely of the former-Habs to make the Finals. Even though Anaheim will beat San Jose in the next round (and eventually take the Cup), I still wish Rivet the best of luck.
Vancouver - Jan Bulis
Dallas - Mike Ribeiro
San Jose - Craig Rivet
Rangers - Marcel Hossa
Islanders - Richard Zednik
Of these 5 players, only two have been eliminated; Zednik and Ribeiro. I can't say I'm upset about Ribeiro, but I do feel bad for Zednik. For a few years we all cheered for him as our leading scorer. Then he has a bad year and it's all boos. That being said, he only seems to have one move; around the back of the net, on the backhand, one hand on the stick, the other holding off the defenceman. I'm really quite surprised he was never clocked as he circled the net.
All of the remaining 3 players have played quite well.
Bulis is proving he is a very good checker. He was just as good in Montreal, but for some reason every coach that had him insisted on putting him on the first line to try to get him to score. Well, they must've seen something I didn't because I don't think he was ever a scorer. Glad to see the Canucks using his strong points.
Marcel Hossa isn't lighting things up, but he is making things happen. He's showing a level of effort he didn't in Montreal. He's always been on the edge of being a star in this league. He's still not there, but maybe a run in the playoffs will give him that motivation he needs. If he can make the Finals, he's already one up on his brother.
But the best of the bunch has been Craig Rivet. I was really surprised to see him get traded this season, but in hind-sight, it makes sense. Rivet is San Jose's top minute player and with 5 points in 8 games, he's also making a difference offensively. A team player in every sense of the word, Rivet is a class act all the way. He's also the most likely of the former-Habs to make the Finals. Even though Anaheim will beat San Jose in the next round (and eventually take the Cup), I still wish Rivet the best of luck.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Worldly Habs
As reported on the Canadiens.com web site, the Canadiens playing in the World Championships are doing quite well.
Andrei Markov (who earlier this week cited his insistance on returning to the Habs) has collected 3 points (1G, 2A) in helping his team go 3-0 to finish the round-robin. The Russians are looking quite good at this point, even though they've played some weaker teams.
Tomas Plekanec has collected 4 points (2G, 2A) and has guided the Czechs to a 3-0 finish as well. Although, like Russia, the Czechs are also in a weaker division.
Mark Streit (aka "Captain Switzerland") hasn't collected any points so far, but a even rating and only 2 goals against in 2 games seems to indicate a strong defensive performance. But is that as impressive when you factor in that they've played Latvia and Italy? I think the true test will be tomorrow's game against Sweden.
Finally, Jaroslav Halak has carried his impressive NHL run into the Worlds. He has continued to surprise. He's played only 1 game so far and stopped all 24 of Norway's shots to earn himself a shutout. He did not play against Germany. I'm not sure if they plan to dress him against Canada tomorrow. If they do and he shuts them out, well now that will be impressive!
Of note, David Aebischer is also there, but since he won't be a Hab as of July 1st, I havn't consider him. Plus, he hasn't dressed yet.
Andrei Markov (who earlier this week cited his insistance on returning to the Habs) has collected 3 points (1G, 2A) in helping his team go 3-0 to finish the round-robin. The Russians are looking quite good at this point, even though they've played some weaker teams.
Tomas Plekanec has collected 4 points (2G, 2A) and has guided the Czechs to a 3-0 finish as well. Although, like Russia, the Czechs are also in a weaker division.
Mark Streit (aka "Captain Switzerland") hasn't collected any points so far, but a even rating and only 2 goals against in 2 games seems to indicate a strong defensive performance. But is that as impressive when you factor in that they've played Latvia and Italy? I think the true test will be tomorrow's game against Sweden.
Finally, Jaroslav Halak has carried his impressive NHL run into the Worlds. He has continued to surprise. He's played only 1 game so far and stopped all 24 of Norway's shots to earn himself a shutout. He did not play against Germany. I'm not sure if they plan to dress him against Canada tomorrow. If they do and he shuts them out, well now that will be impressive!
Of note, David Aebischer is also there, but since he won't be a Hab as of July 1st, I havn't consider him. Plus, he hasn't dressed yet.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Perezhogin to Remain in NHL
Alexander Perezhogin's agent - Don Meehan - has stated that his client has rejected a contract offer from Avangard Omsk of the Russian Super League. I guess that means he's either close to a deal with the Habs, or he's making a statement that he wants to stay with them.
Meehan also represents Markov.
Meehan also represents Markov.
Assistant GM Patrick Roy
Patrick Roy is giving the Canadiens some advice. Take Angelo Esposito in this year's draft.
Apparently this kid has what it takes to be a star in the NHL. His numbers weren't so hot this season, but Roy says it was because the guy was putting too much pressure on himself. (Because that couldn't possibly happen in the NHL.)
I'm not too familiar with those that are in this year's draft. Truth be told, it's kind of a weak year. And it's because of this that there are rumours that the Habs will package their two first round picks to try to snag an experienced player.
If you have to pick between drafting and trading (making the leap that there is no other possibility, of course), I think they should do the latter. This team has been rebuilding for too long. Get a guy and make a run.
Apparently this kid has what it takes to be a star in the NHL. His numbers weren't so hot this season, but Roy says it was because the guy was putting too much pressure on himself. (Because that couldn't possibly happen in the NHL.)
I'm not too familiar with those that are in this year's draft. Truth be told, it's kind of a weak year. And it's because of this that there are rumours that the Habs will package their two first round picks to try to snag an experienced player.
If you have to pick between drafting and trading (making the leap that there is no other possibility, of course), I think they should do the latter. This team has been rebuilding for too long. Get a guy and make a run.
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